While nations like China, Japan, and the US, notably SpaceX with its reusable rockets, make strides in rocket reusability, Russia's progress on its own reusable rocket, the Amur-LNG, appears to be faltering. Unveiled nearly six years ago, the Amur-LNG was designed as a response to SpaceX's Falcon 9, featuring a reusable first stage and methane-powered engines, with a planned debut in 2026. However, recent statements from Russian space officials suggest significant delays.

Dmitry Baranov, Roscosmos' Deputy Director General for Rocket Programs, indicated that the current focus is on developing a first-stage "demonstrator." This shift in priority, coupled with the extended timeline, casts doubt on whether the Amur-LNG will ever achieve its intended flight capabilities and compete in the burgeoning market for reusable launch vehicles. The nation, with its rich history in spaceflight, faces challenges in bringing this ambitious project to fruition.